oceanlove

Since the 1990s, our planet has witnessed a significant rise in sea levels, with an increase of nearly 4 inches (3.98 inches, to be precise). It might not seem like a lot, but this rise in sea levels is not uniform across the globe, due to phenomena like gravitational effects and ocean circulation patterns. In some areas, the increase is significantly more pronounced, leading to entire islands being submerged and highlighting the intricate and complex nature of our planet's climate system. The consequences of this rise are profound, particularly for marine ecosystems. Mangrove forests, for example, are vital ecosystems that buffer coastal communities against storms and erosion, while providing critical habitat for numerous marine species. Mangroves are exceptional carbon sinks, but as sea levels climb, these forests risk submersion. Their loss not only impacts the biodiversity relying on mangroves but also weakens coastal defenses. sea level rise However, th...

For #WorldWaterDay: The availability of fresh groundwater is vital for agriculture, industry, people, and ecosystems, but its quality and quantity have been significantly affected by climate change and anthropogenic activities. ⁠ ⁠ A new Review looks at the changes that groundwater is experiencing now and will experience in the near future and discusses future challenges to groundwater supplies. Considering these changes is important for managing this critical resource in an ever more challenging environment.⁠ If you’ve ever thought water was boring, we’re here to change your mind. This World Water Day, discover these incredible facts about our most precious resource:  70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water (it’s called the blue planet for a reason), but only 0.5% of it is usable as fresh water.  The water cycle is a closed loop: This means we’re drinking the same water that dinosaurs did.  Where did all this water come from? S...

  Webinar: Accurate surface-wave measurements from below – principles and guidance Wave measurements from below the surface are not necessarily intuitive. There is no visual confirmation like there is when studying waves from above the surface, when you can be watching a buoy riding the surface.   So, when measuring waves, what exactly is it we are measuring and what should your performance expectations be?   This webinar is an introduction to how we measure waves from below the surface with acoustic Doppler sensors and how this method yields a high level of accuracy.   It gives the participant an insight into the signals we measure and their behaviors. Once this is understood, it allows us to determine which wave measurement techniques can be used under different scenarios.   What you will learn in this webinar:   - Wave measurement parameters - Limitations of instrumentation and measurement methods - Where the most modern, accepted aco...

  February ends with extreme and unusual heat 01 March 2024 The month of February has ended with extreme heat in the southern hemisphere summer and high temperatures atypical of the northern hemisphere winter. The WMO community is monitoring the state of the climate and providing timely forecasts and warnings to protect lives and livelihoods.    500 hPa geopotential height and 850 hPa temperature Parts of North and South America, northwest and southeast Africa, southeast and far eastern Asia, western Australia and Europe all saw record-breaking temperatures, either on a daily basis or for the entire month.   “The anomalous heat is consistent with the persisting warming observed since June 2023, with seven consecutive new global monthly temperature records, including January 2024. Global sea surface temperatures are record high. Whilst the El Niño event has stoked temperatures in some parts of the world, human induced climate change is the long-term major cont...